Iranian Foreign Minister's visit to India called off amid protests and US threat

New Delhi: Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi's proposed visit to India on January 15-16 has been called off amid growing protests in Iran and threat of external intervention, which may lead to wider conflict in the region.

Tehran, on Sunday, warned that it will retaliate against Israel and US military bases in the event of US strikes on Iran. Tehran's statement comes after Trump is understood to have said that he is considering several options for supporting the protests in Iran.

India is monitoring the situation and keeping plans ready for an evacuation of its nationals if the situation worsens in case a conflict breaks out. Last year, India evacuated nationals when Iran was hit by Israeli and US strikes. Sources noted that a conflict could break out if Iran is attacked by external forces. The regime may be able to manage protests and the situation can only worsen if an external actor attacks Iran.


The future of Chabahar Port was on the agenda of Araghchi's proposed visit to India on January 15-16, with the US sanctions waiver for the port set to expire in April. The strategically located port is being managed by India Ports Global Limited for a period of 10 years from 2024.

Besides meeting external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Araghchi had planned to meet national security adviser Ajit Doval and ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Chabahar Port is the gateway not only for Afghanistan but also Central Asian states. The port also provides connectivity to parts of Russia bordering Central Asia.

In October 2025, India secured a six-month sanctions waiver from the US for the port.

On May 13, 2024, India signed a 10-year contract to operate the port, the first time it took over the management of an overseas port.